Transformers DS Games Reviewed Saturday, 7 July, 2007 at 4:53 PST | | Print NewsReviews for Transformers: Autobots and Transformers: Decepticons have finally appeared on some of the major gaming sites. Although the DS games didn't receive the highest scores in the world, the general consensus seems to be that they're the best of the movie's licensed games.

Though both titles feature the same core mechanics, game engine, and visual style, everything else is independent. Each game has its own characters, its own perspective on the movie's situations, its own missions and its own conclusion. Even though you may think that separating the production into two versions might be an example of "milking a property," it doesn't feel that way in the final product -- each game is a full-length, unique experience with enough going for both versions to justify the double trouble...and, almost, the double dip.

Being a create-a-bot has its perks. First, while the namesake bots have preordained rankings for strength and firepower, your generic bot's rankings continually grow as you gain experience from completing missions. Secondly, your custom bot isn't limited to a single transformation like the others are. You start out with a "beater" body, but you can gain new transformations by scanning the vehicles you come across on your travels.

The game uses the DS’s touch screen in a few key ways. It serves as a map, giving you reticules to follow, like new missions or enemies as well as whatever object you happen to currently be targeting. It also displays your of experience and your character’s level for quick reference, as well as how far you have to go until your next level. There are also two touch sensitive areas, one of which controls your transformation, and the other toggles your scanner.

Graphics are surprisingly good for a DS game and feature remarkably detailed characters and environments. The opening cutscene is worth mentioning as well because it really tries to create an almost PlayStation 2 quality scene. Sure the frame rate is kinda sluggish, but I appreciate the attempt to do something graphically complex on the DS. Other than that, the levels look very clean, and the Decepticons look very sinister in all their mechanical glory. The only complaint that I have (and it's a minor one) was that I expected more color on the Autobots. I always associate them with bright colors.

As a regular reader of this website, you will surely choose Transformers: Decepticons over its goody two-shoes counterpart if you decide to pick the game up.